It's often said that everyone is responsible for their own happiness. But is it actually true that we can determine our own happiness or how happy we feel? SWICA got to the bottom of this question and discovered that there are some simple hacks you can use that will actually increase your production of happiness hormones. Find out why you should laugh more often and what role vitamin D plays in boosting your mood. And don't miss our amazing competition: with a bit of luck you can win a two-night stay in the modern and sustainable Valsana Hotel Arosa****.
What is happiness?
As human beings, there's one thing we probably all have in common, which is that we'd like to lead a happy and healthy life. But what is happiness exactly? The "Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache" defines happiness as a joyful emotional state that one reaches upon achieving the intangible goals or obtaining the material items that one desires.
Other definitions describe happiness as the absence of emotions or events that we perceive as negative. And in Hinduism, happiness is regarded very matter-of-factly as the result of reality minus expectations: the lower your expectations of life, the greater your happiness.
Does money bring you happiness?
Many people associate happiness with money and wealth. But does money really make you happy? The answers from happiness research vary widely when it comes to this question. The fact is that money can of course affect our happiness, but only to a certain extent. The saying "Money can't buy you happiness" is an apt summary of the results. Although money and wealth can play an important role in our search for happiness, in reality they only have a limited impact on our sense of satisfaction. For Dr Evelyn Mauch, a neurologist and senior doctor at santé24, happiness does not primarily depend on wealth. "If people can satisfy their basic needs, are surrounded by familiar or community-based structures and have something productive to do, their fundamental requirements for happiness are fulfilled." Of course it's helpful if you don't have to count every franc and can treat yourself once in a while. But it's more important to do things that make you happy, and money plays only a small part in that.
What happens in your body when you're happy
1. We produce serotonin, one of the most well-known happiness hormones. It lifts our mood, promotes our wellbeing and has a soothing effect.
2. Dopamine is released: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is linked to the brain's reward centre. Dopamine is produced during activities that we find pleasant, and these moments elicit a feeling of happiness.
3. Other important hormones are produced: endorphins. Endorphins act as natural pain relievers that help with our bodies' self-healing. They also reduce anxiety and help to relieve stress.
4. Oxytocin is released: Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone", because it is produced during hugging, kissing and motherhood. This promotes feelings of love and trust, which are an important element of our feelings of happiness.
5. Stress hormones decrease. The production of stress hormones such as cortisol is reduced, leading to a more relaxed and contented state.
6. Immune function is improved. A positive attitude can strengthen the immune system, which in turn reduces the risk of illness.
7. Heart health improves: If we're even-keeled and content, then our hearts also benefit. In this way, positive emotions can help lower blood pressure and regulate our heart rates.
8. The autonomic nervous system is activated: This "rest and digest" system helps the body to relax and to recuperate, which boosts our general wellbeing.
9. The brain changes: Happy experiences and thoughts can affect the structure and function of the brain by promoting neuronal connections and increasing the brain's plasticity.
10. Sleep improves: Happiness and positive emotions can help us sleep better, which in turn improves mood and wellbeing.
Make your own happiness – how to feel more happy
So on the one hand, you can boost your happiness with a positive attitude. On the other hand, doing certain activities can also prompt your body to produce more happiness hormones. Here's the ultimate guide to experiencing more happiness in your daily life:
